Mombasa-based TikToker Geoffrey Chesoni has opened up about a traumatic three-day ordeal following his abduction in the city’s central business district on Tuesday.
Dragged into a waiting vehicle in broad daylight, Chesoni says he was whisked off to a forest in Voi, where seven armed men brutally beat him and threatened his life. He suspects his abductors were government security officers.
‘FOREST TORTURE AND STATE HOUSE NIGHTMARE’
According to Chesoni, his captors demanded to know who was funding his activism.
“They handcuffed me and beat me relentlessly. They kept asking who was behind me and why I was doing what I do,” Chesoni revealed, his voice heavy with pain.
His tormentors repeatedly referred to the killing of activist and blogger Albert Ojwang during the June 25 protests, warning him that he could face the same fate.
After hours of brutal treatment in the forest, Chesoni was transported back to Mombasa, where he was taken to State House. There, he alleges the physical and psychological abuse continued before his release.
CAUGHT ON CCTV: THE DRAMATIC ABDUCTION
CCTV footage from Mombasa town captured the chilling moment Chesoni was abducted. A Subaru vehicle with the registration number KDC 126E was seen pulling up before one of the men fired a shot into the air, scattering onlookers. Chesoni was then forcibly shoved into the vehicle.
FEAR FOR HIS LIFE
Now back home, Chesoni is nursing physical injuries and emotional scars. He expressed fear for his life as he awaits a summons to appear before the Anti-Terror Police Unit on Monday, where he is expected to provide further information.
“They warned me not to speak about what happened. But how can I remain silent when my life is in danger?” Chesoni questioned.
CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND REFORM
The Police Reforms Working Group has strongly condemned the abduction and abuse of Chesoni. The group is also advocating for the release of three human rights defenders—John Nzau, Mark Amiani, and Francis Mwangi—arrested in Machakos County on Saturday.
“These acts of intimidation and abuse must stop. The government must respect the Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” read a statement from the group.
Chesoni’s ordeal has reignited calls for accountability and reform within Kenya’s security agencies, as citizens demand an end to abductions, intimidation, and police brutality.
